DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF by Maryanne Kane, Journalist

  DAILY INNOVATION BRIEF              

By Journalists Edward Kane & Maryanne Kane 

SMART ePANTS SPY WEAR

                                    Source:  DARPA & MIT

• The US Department of Defense is investing millions of dollars into surveillance underwear, socks and other wearable tech garments
• Here's what we know:

1. The US National Intelligence has just announced it's launching a program that aims to make performance grade computerized clothing
2. It's developing clothing that can record audio, videotape and geolocate data
3. It's called the SMART ePANTS program or Smart Electrically Powered and Networked Textile System
4. The Pentagon's DARPA along with MIT are part of this highly innovative effort
5. Garments are being fitted with sensors, cameras & mikes
6. Garments are composed of smart, computerized textiles that turn the clothing into surveillance tech
7. The clothing's tech is not visible 
8. The tech is powered by harvesting energy from the wearer's body
9. The smart garments will have the same features like comfort, stretchability and washability of regular garments
10. The clothing is being designed to be used by the intelligence community in high risk, dangerous environments
11. Being funded by $22 million
12. While it could be a strategic asset for the intelligence community, it does raise some concerns over biometric surveillance by the government.

ALGORITHM FORECASTS RUGBY WORLD CUP WINNER

                                                                    Source:  Stock

• A New Zealand scientist is using an algorithm to forecast the winner of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which opens on Friday in France & is a 20-nation battle in 48 matches for the Championship
• Here's what we know:
• Prof. Neven Winchester of Auckland University of Technology has created an algorithm called "Rugby Vision" 
• His algorithm has 3 key components:

1. A rating system for international teams
2. Estimates of outcomes for each game using the rating system
3. 10,000 simulations of the tournament to build in uncertainties and help to rank the contending teams

• He also includes past score results and home advantage
• Current rankings have Ireland as #1, South Africa #2, France #3 and New Zealand #4
• Winchester's model forecasts New Zealand #1, South Africa #2 and France #3
• This is a fun and challenging use of algorithms as sports are so unpredictable with upsets and come-from-behind success stories.
• The games will prove how successful the algorithm is, which Prof. Winchester says has been "well tested".

NEW AI SUPERYACHT

                                            Source:  Rossinavi

• A new 164-foot hybrid superyacht "No Stress Two" is monitored by AI and that is likely a world first
• Here's what we know:

1. Created by Italian boat builder Rossinavi and custom-built for the buyer
2. Hybrid yacht with 5 operational modes from full diesel to full electric
3. 2 electric motors and diesel propulsion
4. AI monitors battery to keep it charged between 20% and 80%
5. AI dialogues with crew to suggest operational changes across the boat
6. Sleek futuristic design
7. 164' long
8. Minimalist interior
9. Back transom folds down into a beach club that's 30 feet wide
10. Builder says he will further optimize the AI tech with a new catamaran, the Sea Cat, in 2024.

"Daily Innovation Brief" © By Edward Kane